The Maserati Levante has proven a smash hit for the Italian carmaker, currently accounting for around 60 percent of its total sales. Following that success, the brand has decided to think smaller and reveal its latest midsize SUV, the Grecale. Slated for a late 2023 arrival, this sleek family hauler will arrive in three distinct flavors, GT, Modena, and Trofeo, with a $63,500 base price. We’ll even get a fully electric variant sometime next year.
Maserati was kind enough to invite us to check out the Grecale in person ahead of its global debut in Los Angeles. After listening to the brand’s presentation, the introduction of the new Maserati Grecale is a no-brainer. Slotted below the Levante, the more accessible Grecale should become the brand’s volume seller, borrowing the same architecture that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio as its base.
Borrowing some of the styling elements that make the MC20’s epic look, the Grecale is a small-ish sleek SUV with an aggressive edge. In terms of sizing, the Grecale slots neatly in between the Porsche Macan and Cayenne, which will likely be two of its closest competitors. However, the Grecale draws a line in the sand from day one, focusing properly on performance.
Also Read: Maserati’s New “Folgore” Electric Lineup Starts With 2023 GranTurismo
The entry-level trim, the GT, features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled with a mild hybrid system with a total output of 296 hp. Step up to the Modena, and you gain upgraded styling elements and a power boost up to 325 hp. The range-topper upon release will be the Trofeo with its MC20-derived twin-turbo V6 engine pushing out 523 hp. While it counts on a de-tuned version of the supercars power plant, it delivers enough grunt to make it the quickest option in its segment.
As standard, the Trofeo benefits from an adjustable air suspension system that will live as an optional extra for the slightly cheaper Modena. Thanks to its adjustability across various driving modes, the Grecale even offers an off-road mode that sees the SUV rising by over 1.18 inches for maximum ground clearance.
The Italian carmaker boasted about how much interior space the Grecale offers during its presentation, thanks to its 114-inch wheelbase. Once we climbed inside the rear, it quickly became apparent that they weren’t kidding. There’s plenty of headroom even with the nicely sloping roof, and getting in and out of the Grecale is an absolute breeze. Sit in the front seat, and it’s a similar story with the cabin offering a very airy feeling.
In the center of the dash, you’ll find a 12.3-inch screen housing the brand’s latest infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower your gaze, and you’ll find a second smaller 8.8-inch screen displaying additional information. There’s also a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. Unfortunately, the prototype we spent time with didn’t have these components fired up for us to look at.
While the Grecale is arriving on the scene with a sporty aesthetic with stats to back it up, its future is also quite exciting. While we don’t have exact dates or pricing, a fully electric version of the Grecale will arrive sometime next year. Given that this SUV should become the brand’s top seller, an electrified version could see its success carry well into the future.
